We recently connected with Haley Garelli and have shared our conversation below.
Haley, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
I learned a lot during my dietetic internship, but I would say one of the biggest lessons I learned that has served me in my entrepreneurial journey is that it is okay not to know everything. When I started out I was afraid of asking questions and afraid to say “I don’t know” out of fear of looking inadequate. Interestingly enough one of my preceptors commented that I didn’t ask enough questions, which was eye opening for me and led me to be more openly curious. Being able and willing to admit “I’m not sure at the moment but I can figure it out” or even know that something is not within my area of expertise and reach out to someone who can help has allowed me to learn and grow even quicker.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My interest in nutrition started in high school as a dancer. I honestly didn’t go into it for the healthiest reasons, but ultimately pursuing an education and career in nutrition allowed me to heal not only my relationship with food and body but also help me improve my health. I have worked as a dietitian for over 7 years now, but always had the dream of starting my own practice. About 3 years ago I took the leap to pursue that dream. Now I work with women 1:1 and in the group program setting to help them heal their metabolism, hormones and relationship with food. Many women who come to me are sick of the on-again off-again dieting cycle and are ready to feel good in their skin again. I love seeing the growth my clients have in just a matter of a few short months. Going from frustrated, exhausted and at war with their body to feeling empowered, energized and at peace with food. When I work with my clients I take a functional medicine/holistic approach, so our work together goes way beyond calories, macros, vitamins and minerals. We work together as a team to find the true why behind their weight loss resistance, hormonal and gut symptoms to ensure we are addressing the root cause vs. using another bandaid approach. This allows them to have the health and energy to truly live their life to the fullest.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I was very fortunate to grow up in a stable home with both my parents as business owners. Therefore I grew up in the same house, never moved. My parent’s worked with the same companies (their own) my entire life which led me to have this idea that once you start something or you commit to something that is the way it is going to be until the end of time. This way of thinking was holding me back in my business because I was so caught up in making sure it was the perfect decision or perfect next step. So while I am extremely grateful for my childhood, I have had to learn to be okay with pivoting, going for something without the guarantee of it working out exactly as I had hoped, and knowing that I am the one in charge and therefore I have the power to shift directions if it will serve me and my business.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Definitely. Within the world of nutrition there are so many different avenues and opportunities to explore. Plus I think it is extremely valuable knowledge to have even if I chose to pivot careers down the line.
Contact Info:
- Website: haleygrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitianhaley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleyg.rd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-garelli-5479161a6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEsPVgVs-derUkMxX-J3s_A